Macee Murphy

Macee Murphy

For Macee Murphy, MSU-Northern is more than just a college—it's a place where she can thrive both in the classroom and on the volleyball court. Originally from Ballantine, MT, Macee first heard about Northern through volleyball coach Jerry Wagner, who introduced her to the opportunities available at the university. “Coach Wagner really brought me here to continue my academic and athletic careers,” she says.

What truly sealed the deal for Macee was Northern’s close-knit environment and the incredible support from professors. “The ratio of students to professors and the flexibility to accommodate volleyball really made me want to come to Northern,” she explains. As an Elementary Education major, she appreciates the hands-on learning experiences that prepare her for her future in teaching. “The small community and opportunities to get firsthand experience in the classroom have been invaluable.”

One of the biggest highlights of her time at Northern has been the unwavering support of faculty and staff. “The professors are so accommodating—they really work with us as athletes to make sure we can travel and still keep up with our classes,” Macee shares. Two people who have had a particularly strong impact on her journey are Professor Gwen Hart and Carmen Lunak in Student Support Services. “Professor Hart has motivated me to always be positive and be a light. Every class I’ve had with her has shown me how interactive teaching can keep students engaged. And Carmen has helped me in so many ways to access opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise—she’s always willing to help with whatever I need!”

For students considering MSU-Northern, Macee has one piece of advice: “If you’re looking for a place where professors truly care, where you’ll be supported in both academics and athletics, and where you’ll get real-world experience in your field, Northern is the place to be.”

 

Find out more about the MSUN Elementary Education program!